Feminist writer Anita Sarkeesian was threateened with ‘the deadliest school shooting in American history’ (Picture: Rex)

More than a million Tweets with the subject #GamerGate have flooded the social network in the past weeks – the only outward sign of a bitter culture war among gamers and game-makers which has overspilled into death threats and vicious abuse.

For some gamers, the controversy is a battle against censorship and a back-slapping, corrupt group of game journalists who seek to impose their views on the industry they work in.

For some female reporters and game developers, such as Zoe Quinn, (below) the controversy has led to threats of violence and rape – although the #GamerGate movement maintains that the threats are from fringe elements. Quinn has had to move home.

Feminist critic Anita Sarkeesian was sent an email this week threatening ‘the deadliest school shooting in American history’ if she did not cancel a speaking engagement in Utah. Citing the fact that state law allows people to carry concealed weapons, she cancelled.

#StopGamerGate2014 because I have to move. It's never going to be safe for me in my home again because I wanted to make video games.

Other media outlets, such as right-wing site Breitbart, suggest that GamerGaters do have a point – and that a small group of ‘culture warriors’ with a politically correct agenda ARE attempting to distort the industry they work in, highlighting feminist-friendly games at the expense of others.

Either way, the controversy is not going away – with angry commenters on both sides still flooding Reddit, Twitter and games media sites with controversy-stoking pieces, including pieces claiming that, ‘Gamers are over.’

We boil down the controversy to the bare facts below.

How it started

The controversy began in August when game developer Zoe Quinn was alleged to have slept with members of the gaming press in exchange for favourable reviews of her indie game, Depression Quest. The reports have not been confirmed, but caused significant outrage on social media.

Why people got angry

Gamers on Twitter and Reddit began commenting on the controversy over the game, saying it highlighted how a group of journalists and developers were overly cosy with each other, and seemed to choose certain games for favourable coverage. Leaked emails seemed to confirm that journalists on different outlets discussed coverage with each other before publishing.

What gamers are angry about

Gamers are angry that game media sites have focused attention on ‘art house’ games, rather than mainstream or ‘hardcore gamer’ titles – ie that they are ignoring their audience. While the harrassment associatd with fringe elements of GamerGate has dominated headlines, game review sites HAVE quietly changed editiorial policies to be more transparent about why they cover certain stories.

Where ‘GamerGate’ came from

The phrase GamerGate was reportedly coined by actor – and game voiceover artist – Adam Baldwin, and rapidly became a popular hashtag on Twitter, passing one million Tweets on September 24. The phrase initially referred to controversy over Quinn’s game, but has since become a focus for gamers angry at media outlets, and for gamers angry that the game market is changing to include more ‘mainstream’ titles.

Why are people threatening feminist critics?

The movement has become associated with misogynist abuse of female critics who speak out against GamerGate – although these are rarely carried out by gamers using the hashtag. Several writers have had to move house, and others have been threatened with rape, murder and torture for speaking out against the movement.

GamerGate activists maintain that the harassment is carried out by fringe elements, and that media focus on it is a move to distract attention from the ‘corrupt’ gaming industry.

What next?

The level of harassment faced by feminist critics has now reached a level where media outlets such as Forbes are calling for police action.

This week, game developer Brianna Wu had to leave her home after death threats, and feminist writer Sarkeesian cancelled a speaking engagement due to school shooting threats. There are now increasing calls for police involvement in the harassment campaigns.